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Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 7:38 am
by Steve51
Went to the range to test new .44 magnum load with my standard .44 magnum load. Since I can't find Alliant 2400 powder, I wanted to find a powder and load that would have the same POI at 50yds without having to adjust the iron sights.
Target on the left is 16 rounds using my standard 2400 load of 19.6 grains under a Hornady 240 gr. XTP JHP bullet.
Target on the right is 16 rounds using 19.8 grains of AA#9 under a Hornady 240 gr. XTP JHP bullet.
I am pretty satisfied that this load meets the POI I wanted but the 2400 seems to group better (but it could be the shooter not the powder)
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Also took the .45-70 just to check out my set up at 50 ydas. My standard load is 30.0 grains of H4198 under a MB 405 grain LFN bullet.
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Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:22 am
by RanchRoper
Nice shooting. Thanks for the report.

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 11:17 am
by North Country Gal
On the basis of this one test, I would conclude that your standard load is the more accurate load unless your shooting was really way off with the other load. Might want to give it another try, though, just to be sure.

Interesting report. Thanks.

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 8:11 pm
by JEBar
not bad at all .... were the targets above fired from a rest :?:

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:15 pm
by Steve51
I was resting the rifles on my range bag.
With my old eyes, at 50yds the 3" orange dot is quite small. The front bead sight (1/16" bead) will completely cover the orange dot - that is one reason I use the 6 o'clock hold. I am using a Skinner barrel mount peep sight on both of these rifles.

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 11:35 pm
by Henry88
All kills :D

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2017 7:21 am
by BrokenolMarine
Nothing wrong with using a rest when testing ammo... eliminates some of the shooter induced variation from the test. Good shooting.
Old Eyes? Skinner Sights rock... I just couldn't shoot with the Buckhorn Sights. ;)

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 3:40 pm
by RanchRoper
Henry88 wrote:All kills :D
Yup.

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 4:37 pm
by rwortman
A range back isn't a very good rest either. I have had groups cut in half by using a firmer rest. Sandbag, shooting rest, even a hand between the gun and a log. Hard rests and too soft rests both hurt repeatability.

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 7:56 pm
by chuckcook
Very nice shooting!

Re: Range Outing: Aug. 17th

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 8:58 pm
by BigAl52
https://reloadingunlimited.com/product/alliant-2400/ Steve....... Im not sure you would order online but these guys have 1Lb and 8lb containers of 2400. I have been thinking about getting some for reduced loads in the 45-70. There are alot of guys using it with great success. If some of the powders I have dont work in the all weather I will be trying some. Al